May 8-14 is National Women’s Health Week

Lincoln - Observance of National Women’s Health Week is May 8-14, 2011, and is sponsored by the National Office on Women’s Health (OWH) in partnership with several national, state, and local organizations.

“It’s essential for all women to make their personal health a top priority in their lives,” said Dr. Joann Schaefer, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). “Women are inclined to put the needs of others first, especially in today’s busy world, but by taking just a few basic steps they can lead longer, healthier and happier lives.”

Based on the theme “It’s Your Time,” the nationwide initiative encourages communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups to work together to educate women about ways to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases. Important steps include:

Getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week

Eating a nutritious diet

Visiting a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings

The Woman Challenge, an eight-week online physical activity program, is May 9–July 3. For more information about it and National Women’s Health Week, visit http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw.

The Nebraska Women’s Health Advisory Council will distribute bookmarks and “Health Tracker Cards” cards to public libraries throughout the state. The Health Tracker Cards were provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska.

For more information, or if you would like to sponsor an event for National Women’s or Men’s Health Week, contact Kathy Ward at 402-471-3914 or Kathy.Ward@nebraska.gov.